Spring football preview: Can the Big Ten hoist another CFP trophy?

Spring storyline: Illinois returns a lot from a good team that won 10 games and finished No. 16 nationally. The Illini must take the next step to become true CFP contenders, which means replacing standout wide receiver Pat Bryant and boosting a running game that finished 79th nationally, atypical of a Bret Bielema-coached team.

Position of intrigue: Wide receiver. One of few positions hit hard by departures, Illinois loses its top wideouts in Bryant and Zakhari Franklin, who had 109 receptions for 1,636 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Illini added transfers Hudson Clement (West Virginia) and Justin Bowick (Ball State) to help offset the losses, but will also look for more from holdovers Hank Beatty and Collin Dixon.

Player to watch: I loved the production from outside linebacker Gabe Jacas in 2024, a huge keep for Bielema and the Illini after wreaking havoc with 8 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hurries and 3 forced fumbles. — Rittenberg

Spring storyline: After a historic 2024 season when Indiana won 10 games for the first time and reached the CFP, what do coach Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers have for an encore? They won’t be able to hide in obscurity this offseason, especially after bringing back key pieces from last year’s squad and making another strong portal push, which included quarterback Francisco Mendoza (Cal), running back Roman Hemby (Maryland) and a notable group of offensive linemen.

Position of intrigue: Offensive line. The group showed its limitations in losses to Ohio State and Notre Dame, and will have a different look in 2025. Indiana hit the portal for three potential starters in Pat Coogan (Notre Dame), Kahlil Benson (Colorado) and Zen Michalski (Ohio State). Guard Drew Evans‘ health status also will be monitored, and IU must replace All-Big Ten center Mike Katic.

Player to watch: Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was one of the biggest wins of the winter portal, as he joined his brother and fellow Hoosiers quarterback Alberto in Bloomington. Fernando Mendoza passed for 4,712 yards and 30 touchdowns at Cal. — Rittenberg

Spring storyline: Iowa is betting on South Dakota State transfer QB Mark Gronowski, a two-time national champ at the FCS level, to significantly upgrade the No. 130 passing offense in FBS. He’ll miss spring practice due to offseason shoulder surgery, but this should be a highly competitive spring for the Hawkeyes as they work to replace a dozen starters from last year’s 8-5 squad.

Position of intrigue: Over the past two seasons, Iowa’s defense has featured one of the top linebacker duos in the country with All-America standout Jay Higgins and 60-game starter Nick Jackson. Which players step up as their successors? This will be a big spring for Jayden Harrell (114 career defensive snaps) and Karson Sharar (56) to prove they’re ready.

Player to watch: Kamari Moulton is the next man up at running back to take over for Big Ten leading rusher Kaleb Johnson. The redshirt sophomore rushed for 473 yards and three scores on 5.6 yards per carry as the Hawkeyes’ No. 2 back last season. — Olson

Spring storyline: The Terrapins face a challenging offseason after going 1-8 in the Big Ten last year before losing several key players to the transfer portal, including quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (Wisconsin). Finding a new QB starter who can thrive — whether it’s UCLA transfer Justyn Martin or ESPN 300 incoming freshman Malik Washington — will be key to any turnaround.

Position of intrigue: The offensive line struggled last year, finishing with a Big Ten-worst 39.7% blown block rate. The arrivals of Akron transfer Jayvin James and ESPN 300 signee Jaylen Gilchrist could help boost a running game that averaged just 3.59 yards per attempt in 2024.

Player to watch: Jalil Farooq caught 89 career passes at Oklahoma until breaking his foot in the opener last season. He has the talent to give Maryland a game breaker at wideout with All-Big Ten performer Tai Felton gone. — Trotter

Spring storyline: New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey arrives with a mandate to overhaul a passing game that finished only above the three service academies in 2024. His development of incoming national No. 1 recruit Bryce Underwood at quarterback will be closely watched, but Lindsey must take a global approach to getting more production from an offense that also loses its top two running backs.

Position of intrigue: Defensive tackle. No FBS team loses a better tandem of interior defensive linemen, as Michigan must replace Mason Graham, a projected top-five NFL draft pick, and Kenneth Grant, a possible late first-round pick. Rayshaun Benny‘s return is significant, and Michigan must build depth around him with transfers Damon Payne (Alabama), Tre Williams (Clemson) and others.

Player to watch: Safety Rod Moore, one of the heroes from Michigan’s 2023 win against Ohio State and a captain, returns after missing all of last season with a knee injury. Even as he works back to full health, Moore’s leadership should be invaluable for a new-look defense. — Rittenberg

Spring storyline: The Spartans must fix an offense that eclipsed 19 points just twice in its final nine games and finished 110th nationally in rushing. Michigan State has continuity with playcaller Brian Lindgren and quarterback Aidan Chiles, and an emerging star in sophomore wide receiver Nick Marsh. But the unit must cut down penalties and turnovers and find more playmaking opportunities.

Position of intrigue: Cornerback. Michigan State hit the portal for help at several positions, including cornerback, where it must replace primary starters Charles Brantley, the team’s interceptions leader in 2024, and Ed Woods. The team added three transfers — Malcolm Bell (UConn), NiJhay Burt (Eastern Illinois) and Joshua Eaton (Texas State) — who should all factor into the rotation for coordinator Joe Rossi.

Player to watch: Running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver. The Sacramento State transfer arrives to spark a running attack that lagged in coach Jonathan Smith’s first season. Tau-Tolliver had 950 rushing yards and 1,267 all-purpose yards in 2024. — Rittenberg

Spring storyline: The Gophers’ quarterback competition will certainly be a focus of spring ball. Redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey spent a year learning behind Max Brosmer and gets his chance to prove he’s the guy this offseason. He’ll have to hold off grad transfer Zach Pyron, who earned four starts over three seasons at Georgia Tech and offers proven dual-threat ability.

Position of intrigue: It’ll be interesting to see how the Gophers’ reshuffled offensive line comes together as the staff works to replace All-Big Ten left tackle Aireontae Ersery and two more multiyear starters. They added quality help via the portal between Marcellus Marshall (UCF), Dylan Ray (Kentucky) and Kahlee Tafai (Washington).

Player to watch: Can Jaxon Howard put together a breakthrough season for the Gophers’ defense? The talented pass rusher and former ESPN 300 recruit transferred home after one year at LSU and played a rotation role as a redshirt freshman. Jay Joyner and Danny Striggow moving on to the NFL creates a big opportunity for Howard to go out and prove he’s ready to start and make an impact. — Olson

Spring storyline: After leading Nebraska to its first bowl victory since 2015, Matt Rhule is eager to take the next big step in Year 3. Sophomore QB Dylan Raiola has been surrounded by a ton of new talent thanks to a strong transfer portal haul, and OC Dana Holgorsen should have all the chess pieces he needs to build an exciting offense this offseason.

Position of intrigue: The Huskers need to reload along the defensive line and replace senior leaders Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher. New D-line coach Terry Bradden comes from the Kansas City Chiefs and inherits some promising young players, including former five-star recruit Williams Nwaneri, who need to step up in 2025.

Player to watch: Kentucky transfer wide receiver Dane Key was a must-get for the Huskers in December. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior brings a ton of experience to the table as a three-year starter who produced 126 career catches for 1,870 yards and 14 touchdowns in the SEC. — Olson

Spring storyline: SMU quarterback transfer Preston Stone arrives with a chance to boost a woeful offense that ranked 128th nationally in scoring and 111th in passing last season. Stone will be throwing to South Dakota State wide receiver transfer Griffin Wilde, as well as Mike Wright, who opened 2024 as Northwestern’s starting quarterback but is moving to receiver.

Position of intrigue: Offensive line. While quarterback and wide receiver also will generate attention, none of it will matter unless Northwestern gets better play up front. The Wildcats lost Josh Thompson to the portal but added Evan Beerntsen, who, like Wilde, is familiar with coordinator Zach Lujan from South Dakota State, and Xavior Gray (Liberty).

Player to watch: Defensive end Aidan Hubbard has 12 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in the past two seasons. He could become a premier pass rusher in the Big Ten this fall as he plays opposite promising junior Anto Saka. — Rittenberg

Spring storyline: The Buckeyes must replace 14 starters off last year’s national championship team, including multiyear stalwarts wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, offensive lineman Donovan Jackson and defensive end Jack Sawyer. Coordinators Chip Kelly (Raiders) and Jim Knowles (Penn State) are gone, as well. The Buckeyes remain talented yet will also be inexperienced.

Position of intrigue: Quarterback Will Howard was spectacular in his lone season with the Buckeyes after transferring in from Kansas State. Freshman Julian Sayin, the No. 2 QB recruit in the country last year, is the favorite to take over. But he’ll have to fend off highly touted incoming freshman Tavien St. Clair.

Player to watch: CJ Donaldson transferred in from West Virginia after rushing for more than 700 yards and 11 touchdowns the past two seasons. The Buckeyes are banking Donaldson can help keep the running game rolling with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins moving on to the NFL. — Trotter

Spring storyline: The development of quarterback Dante Moore inside the Oregon offense will be the headliner. Offensive coordinator Will Stein has been able to cater to Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel, but Moore presents a new, but intriguing, wrinkle: a quarterback who has been in the building for a whole season, learning from Gabriel and Stein, and ready to take on a bigger role this season.

Position of intrigue: Linebacker. The Ducks are losing a ton at the position with the departure of start Jeffrey Bassa. There isn’t a clear-cut leader at the position (Devon Jackson, who has 47 career tackles, is returning) or any particular additions that stand out, so it will be interesting to see if any player emerges at the position.

Player to watch: Malik Benson. The Florida State transfer doesn’t have eye-popping numbers (25 catches for 311 yards and a touchdown last year), but he brings experience and a different dynamic to the Ducks’ receiving room, which just lost leading receiver Tez Johnson to the NFL. Alongside Evan Stewart and Gary Bryant Jr., Benson could turn into a key target for Moore. — Uggetti

Spring storyline: The Nittany Lions snagged Jim Knowles, who just coordinated the No. 1 defense in college football last season at Ohio State. Penn State made him the highest-paid coordinator in the country ($3.1 million). Knowles will begin molding the Nittany Lions defense this spring, with plenty of talent to deploy.

Position of intrigue: The Nittany Lions have to get more production out of their wide receivers from quarterback Drew Allar, especially with All-American tight end Tyler Warren on the way to the NFL. Penn State is banking that transfers Devonte Ross (Troy) and Kyron Hudson (USC) can help elevate a spot that’s been underwhelming in recent years.

Player to watch: Dani Dennis-Sutton will get his chance to shine as Penn State’s top pass rusher, with Abdul Carter likely to become a top-three draft pick. — Trotter

Spring storyline: The Boilermakers hired head coach Barry Odom after they lost 11 straight last year under Ryan Walters. Odom, who arrived after two years at UNLV, is a defensive-minded coach. He’ll be tasked with rebuilding a Purdue defense that was among the worst in college football, ranking second-to-last nationally in defensive EPA (expected points allowed) and opposing QBR (83.1).

Position of intrigue: Odom brought in three quarterbacks from the transfer portal in Malachi Singleton (Arkansas), EJ Colson (UCF) and Evans Chuba (Washington State). The trio played little or none for their former schools last year, leaving a wide-open battle for the Purdue starting job.

Player to watch: Tennessee transfer Nathan Leacock was a four-star recruit two years ago. He played sparingly in Knoxville, but will have ample opportunity now, with virtually Purdue’s entire receiving corps from last year gone. — Trotter

Spring storyline: Rutgers won four Big Ten games last year for the first time since joining in the league in 2014. With Athan Kaliakmanis back (30 career college starts) as the starting quarterback, the Scarlet Knights have the chance to take another step forward, especially if the majority of their key transfers portal additions come through.

Position of intrigue: The Scarlet Knights added a pair of prolific pass rushers through the transfer portal in Eric O’Neill and Bradley Weaver. O’Neill was first-team All-Sun Belt after recording 13 sacks and a pick-six for James Madison. Weaver was second-team All-MAC at Ohio with 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. If those two additions click, Rutgers could boast an elite pass rush.

Player to watch: The Scarlet Knights are replacing outgoing first-team All-Big Ten running back Kyle Monangai with CJ Campbell Jr., who rushed for 844 yards and caught 40 passes with 14 total touchdowns for Florida Atlantic last season. — Trotter

Spring storyline: DeShaun Foster’s second season as the Bruins’ head coach begins with a lot of question marks and plenty of new faces. Foster revamped almost his entire staff after UCLA finished 5-7 last year. Tino Sunseri is in from Indiana as the team’s next offensive coordinator, and he’ll be tasked with trying to recharge an offense that was one of the least productive in the conference last season.

Position of intrigue: Offensive line. With a new offensive line coach in Andy Kwon, the Bruins have prioritized the line by bringing in a number of key transfers, including tackle Courtland Ford from Kentucky, interior lineman Julian Armella from Florida State and Eugene Brooks from Oklahoma, as well as K.D. Arnold from Jacksonville State.

Player to watch: With Dante Moore departing last year for Oregon, Ethan Garbers finally running out of eligibility and Justyn Martin entering the transfer portal, Foster had to reach into the portal for a signal caller with some experience. Enter Joey Aguilar. The Appalachian State quarterback returns to his home state with one more year of eligibility after finishing his senior year at App State with 3,003 yards and 23 touchdowns. — Uggetti

Spring storyline: Can Jayden Maiava be Lincoln Riley’s next great quarterback? Maiava became the Trojans’ starter under less-than-ideal circumstances when he replaced Miller Moss with just three games left in the regular season last year. In moments, Maiava impressed, showcasing a dynamic ability to move Riley’s offense forward, especially with his legs. But his youth and understandable lack of experience also showed. An entire offseason should only help, and USC looks to be giving Maiava the runway to be the guy until 2025 recruit Husan Longstreet is ready.

Position of intrigue: Defensive line. Position coach Eric Henderson has kept busy since the season wrapped up, helping to bring in key portal additions like Keeshawn Silver from Kentucky and Jamaal Jarrett from Georgia while also bringing in five-star player Jahkeem Stewart, who is likely to see action in no time. Kameryn Fountain and Anthony Lucas are also returning.

Player to watch: Waymond Jordan. The JUCO running back from Kansas was a key addition for USC after Quinten Joyner entered the transfer portal, and Riley and Co. have been able to develop a great track record with adding backs from the portal (see: Travis Dye, MarShawn Lloyd and Woody Marks) who all had breakout-type seasons with USC. Jordan could be up next. — Uggetti

Spring storyline: Perhaps no team suffered as much of a regression at one position group more than the Huskies did on the offensive line. After winning the Joe Moore award for the best line in the country in 2023, Washington’s new unit allowed the most sacks in the Big Ten last season. With quarterback Demond Williams Jr. heading into his sophomore season with some momentum, the offensive line development and chemistry will be a key part of the Huskies’ spring ball.

Position of intrigue: Wide receiver. Getting Denzel Boston (834 yards and nine touchdowns) to return to Seattle was a huge boon for the Huskies; adding wideout Omari Evans from Penn State (five touchdowns on 21 catches) was an even bigger piece of offseason news. Both Boston and Evans and the rest of the Huskies’ wide receiver room should give Williams Jr. plenty of weapons to throw to this season.

Player to watch: Demond Williams Jr. The Arizona native showed enough flashes in his freshman season to get Washington fans excited for what he could do following another year under coach Jedd Fisch (and better protection from his line). Williams Jr. completed 78% of his 105 pass attempts and threw for 944 yards in limited action. Now, he’s getting a full runway as the team’s starter and could be primed for a breakout year. — Uggetti

Spring storyline: A new offensive coordinator, new starting quarterback and 18 more incoming transfers should make for a fascinating spring in Madison. Coach Luke Fickell has made some substantial changes following a 5-7 season that snapped the program’s 22-year bowl streak. The arrival of former Kansas OC Jeff Grimes and Maryland transfer QB Billy Edwards Jr. should go a long way toward getting Wisconsin’s offense back on track, and the defense will feature a ton of new contributors.

Position of intrigue: After finishing last in FBS in tackles for loss (42) and second-worst in the Big Ten in sacks (17), the Badgers totally overhauled their defensive front this offseason. They’re depending on incoming transfers Jay’viar Suggs, Parker Petersen, Corey Walker, Charles Perkins, Micheal Garner and Mason Reiger to give their D-line real competitive depth up front.

Player to watch: Few players could benefit from Grimes’ offensive system more than sophomore running back Darrion Dupree. The Badgers choosing not to prioritize a running back in portal recruiting tells you what they think of Dupree’s upside. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound back produced 436 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown during his debut season. — Olson